Arshdeep Singh closes in on historic 150-wicket T20I mark

Five wickets from a first for India

Arshdeep Singh is five wickets away from becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 150 in men’s T20 internationals, with the milestone in reach during India’s five-match series against New Zealand.

According to the figures reported ahead of the series, the left-arm pacer has taken 145 wickets in 99 T20Is at an average of 20.30. His record includes two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul, with best figures of 5/51. Five more would also make him the ninth bowler overall to reach 150 T20I wickets. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan leads the all-time list with 197.

Strong record against New Zealand

Arshdeep has claimed 17 wickets in 10 T20Is against New Zealand at an average of 20.00, including a four-wicket haul and a five-wicket haul. In two T20Is played in New Zealand, he has taken four wickets; his best there came in Napier in 2022, when he returned 4/37.

The series opener is scheduled for Thursday in Christchurch. Arshdeep is expected to feature after recovering from a shoulder blow sustained in the fourth T20I against the West Indies. He was selected for the fifth match in Bengaluru, which was washed out.

Another T20 milestone in sight

Arshdeep is also approaching 300 wickets across T20 cricket. He has 288 from 223 matches and needs 12 more to reach that mark. With both landmarks within range, the New Zealand series offers him an opportunity to add to an already notable record in the format.